Christmas celebrations occur globally in numerous ways — whether it involves unique dishes, traditions or customs, everyone has their own spin on how the holidays are celebrated. This article delves into ways diverse cultures or locations spend their time on Christmas, and you can see how your holiday season differs or is similar.
1. The Philippines
Filipinos often begin their Christmas festivities as early as September. Christmas Eve in particular is incredibly special for Filipinos because they have a grand midnight feast called Noche Buena, which includes cultural dishes like lechon, queso de bola and more. Filipino Christmas also has its own decoration referred to as a Parol, a lantern that symbolizes the star of Bethlehem.
2. Italy
Being Italian myself, I can say the feast on Christmas Eve is like no other. Italians celebrate Christmas Eve with the Feast of the Seven Fishes — which, if you can’t tell from the name, is a long stretch of eating fish! This feast is comprised of calamari, baccala and clams.
Even after Christmas passes, Italians extend their holidays to Jan. 6. On the sixth, the kind witch La Befana delivers gifts to children (she’s like Santa but only puts gifts in stockings or shoes). The story of Befana is a tradition of an old woman or witch who delivers gifts to children on the night before Epiphany. The holiday Epiphany is more knowingly referred to as Three Kings Day in the United States. It is celebrated on Jan. 6 because it is when baby Jesus was “revealed” to the three wise men and the world.
3. Australia
I always wondered what it was like to celebrate the holidays where it doesn’t snow. For the Aussies, Christmas is in the summer! While Australians do not have any summer celebrations different from the United States for Christmas, I find it fascinating how children don’t have a winter break to celebrate the holidays because schools are not in session.
4. Poland
In Poland, Christmas Eve is called Wiglia and is celebrated with a 12-course meatless feast to symbolize the 12 apostles. This meal is very in touch with religion and starts with sharing a wafer (like a Eucharist unblessed). Another Polish tradition during this dinner is setting an extra place at the table for an unexpected guest or to honor a passed loved one.Â
5. Brazil
A tradition I have taken part in that is influenced by the Brazilians is Midnight Mass. In Brazil, families attend Missa do Galo (Midnight Mass) and then have a feast directly after. This tradition in my life was a special moment for me and my family and was a fun experience. The Brazilians finish their mass with fireworks or candle lighting.
There are so many more niche traditions cultures partake in to show their holiday spirit, and these were some notable ones I was intrigued by. For my family, we have a typical Italian dinner on Christmas Eve, then lay around on Christmas Day in our matching pajamas, have a huge Irish breakfast and then a turkey roast to finish the night!